A Different kind of a Mountain

A deep sob engulfed him as he saw the sleet of rain crashing drown. The next thing he knew his cries matched the thunderous roar of the dark clouds.

Ethan had been planning to summit the Wansfelly Pike for months now. He had dedicated his weekends doing the rounds of personal trainers and gyms. Yoga and Pilates stretched his muscles to avoid cramps on the climb down. Back home in the small town of Domodossola, surrounded by the gleaming peaks of the Italian Alps, he pictured himself trekking through the smaller mountain peaks of the Lake District.

His faithful Shih Tzu, Zen kept him company as he tried scaling the peaks. “Look at Zen and the way he runs up. When Will I be able to do that?! Reminds me I have to give him his Tick fever shot”. He made a mental note to look up what shots he needed to get to the Lake District. Months of preparation. Should I get rental accommodation for a few weeks? Should I stay at that lovely lady’s B&B in Ambleside at the foothills of Wansfelly? There were more important decisions to be made.

Making his way from Heathrow through heaps of baggage, he checked the connection to his destination. All good! A last-minute heavy-duty sunscreen- that was still not off his list- he dashed into the convenience store, picked it up, and made his way to the gate.

Today, looking around him, with the rain and the thunderstorm still playing havoc, his day of the hike was washed away. As his sobs ebbed- he noticed an outstretched arm. It was the kind lady he met in the kitchen. It did not help that her apron had a picture of the mountain! He had a different mountain to climb today- as emotions heaped mercilessly on him.

She handed him a strong cup of coffee- the wafting aroma of freshly brewed strong Ethiopian coffee, slightly acidic but fruity, seemed to play magic. He is transported to his cottage. His mother’s voice booms “Tomorrow is another day” as he complains about the bad day he had at work.

His brain fog clears.

Looking up the weather forecast, he sees the heatwave prediction for the week after. A flurry of activity. “Dear Boss, I need to extend my leave. I could also work from here !” he shoots an email. “Yes, the flight on 25th would be perfect” barking at the slow customer service agent. “I need a room for another five days”. Done.

A nice drench in the pouring rain was not on his checklist as he struggled to slip into his host’s borrowed heavy rainwear. He needs a steaming Ravioli and a smell of home… at the highly rated Italian restaurant in the crowded city center.

He doesn’t need the sunscreen today.